Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW), formed in 2005, works to improve water quality in the DuPage River and Salt Creek watersheds through cost-effective restoration projects and nutrient management. Recent efforts include stream restorations at Spring Brook, Klein Creek, and the Fullersburg Woods Dam removal, which have improved habitat, fish passage, and ecosystem health. In 2023, DRSCW submitted a Nutrient Implementation Plan recommending phosphorus limits for wastewater treatment plants and targeted projects to address dissolved oxygen impairments, supporting long-term aquatic life and water quality improvements.

The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower Des Plaines River and its 19 tributaries. The workgroup also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW), formed in 2015, brings together local governments, wastewater facilities, and other partners to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River watershed. In 2023, DRWW completed a Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan (NARP), finding that combined phosphorus reductions from treatment plants, upstream sources, and nonpoint sources provide the greatest water quality benefits. The group continues water quality and biological monitoring, lake management efforts, nutrient reduction planning, and deicing education. In 2023, DRWW-supported workshops trained over 1,000 professionals in winter salt reduction best practices.

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower DuPage River and its tributaries. The Coalition recently funded the removal of the Hammel Woods Dam in Shorewood, and planning is underway for a second instream habitat restoration project in Plainfield. The Coalition also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association continues to work toward nutrient loss reduction to surface water supply reservoirs across central Illinois. In 2021–22, partnerships with the Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District and Springfield City Water, Light, and Power continued to track metrics and provide education and outreach to stakeholders in the Lake Springfield and Lake Decatur watersheds.

The Illinois River Watershed Study Group, IRWSG, held formational meetings in May and July 2022. From those meetings, a steering committee formed and the following mission and implementation steps were outlined. The study group held its first full meeting in November 2022.

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total maximum daily loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek, located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The workgroup seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively. In 2015 and 2020, a special condition to the workgroup’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org.

The Illinois Farm Bureau has prioritized building relationships and developing cooperative efforts with drinking water suppliers and wastewater treatment plants for a number of years. In 2021 and 2022, these efforts included several examples of supporting watershed planning and implementation projects, as well as co-hosting education and outreach opportunities. For more information, see www.ilfb.org/ruralurban.

The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup is a voluntary, dues-paying organization with a mission to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River and its tributaries in a cost-effective manner to meet Illinois EPA requirements. The workgroup conducts water quality and bioassessment monitoring and has partnered and sponsored member efforts within the watershed. The workgroup also contracted with Geosyntec Consultants to complete a Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan. For more information, see go.illinois.edu/NLRS and drww.org.

The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower Des Plaines River and its 19 tributaries. The workgroup also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

The Illinois Farm Bureau has prioritized building relationships and developing cooperative efforts with drinking water suppliers and wastewater treatment plants for a number of years. In 2021 and 2022, these efforts included several examples of supporting watershed planning and implementation projects, as well as co-hosting education and outreach opportunities. For more information, see www.ilfb.org/ruralurban.

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup is a voluntary, dues-paying organization with a mission to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River and its tributaries in a cost-effective manner to meet Illinois EPA requirements. The workgroup conducts water quality and bioassessment monitoring and has partnered and sponsored member efforts within the watershed. The workgroup also contracted with Geosyntec Consultants to complete a Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan. For more information, see go.illinois.edu/NLRS and drww.org. 

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total maximum daily loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek, located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The workgroup seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively. In 2015 and 2020, a special condition to the workgroup’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org. 

The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower DuPage River and its tributaries. The Coalition recently funded the removal of the Hammel Woods Dam in Shorewood, and planning is underway for a second instream habitat restoration project in Plainfield. The Coalition also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org. 

The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower Des Plaines River and its 19 tributaries. The workgroup also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

American Farmland Trust provided leadership for the Upper Macoupin Creek Watershed Partnership, comprised of 15 federal, state, and local government partners, agricultural trade associations, environmental groups, agricultural retailers, and a local university. The goal of the partnership is to increase the use of conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and phosphorus loss in the watershed. 

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total maximum daily loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek, located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The workgroup seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively. In 2015 and 2020, a special condition to the workgroup’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org. 

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower Des Plaines River and its 19 tributaries. The workgroup also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower DuPage River and its tributaries. The Coalition recently funded the removal of the Hammel Woods Dam in Shorewood, and planning is underway for a second instream habitat restoration project in Plainfield. The Coalition also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org. 

The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup is a voluntary, dues-paying organization with a mission to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River and its tributaries in a cost-effective manner to meet Illinois EPA requirements. The workgroup conducts water quality and bioassessment monitoring and has partnered and sponsored member efforts within the watershed. The workgroup also contracted with Geosyntec Consultants to complete a Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan. For more information, see go.illinois.edu/NLRS and drww.org. 

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total maximum daily loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek, located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The workgroup seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively. In 2015 and 2020, a special condition to the workgroup’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org. 

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.